Junior-Dominated Lancers Build Around Fitness, Passing and New Leadership

Gilmour Boys Varsity Soccer team enters the preseason with a clear identity and a young core ready to accept larger roles. After a 6-9-4 finish last year, the Lancers will look for improvement behind a junior-dominated squad, three new captains and several returning players who gained significant experience as underclassmen. Fitness, precise passing and disciplined defense will form the foundation of the Lancers’ approach.

Senior captain David Kleyner will lead alongside junior captains PJ Kunchik and Duncan Nakhooda. In midfield, PJ Kunchik brings some of the best foot skills in Ohio and will be asked to move throughout the middle of the field, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. The leadership group’s ability to organize a young lineup and set a consistent standard will be important as players step into expanded responsibilities.

Versatility should also help Gilmour shape its lineup. David and Duncan are expected to anchor the defense, but both can move forward when the Lancers need additional support in the attack. Sophomore striker Dominic Schaffer will be counted on to produce goals after gaining valuable experience during his rookie season, while sophomore goalkeeper Kevin Moore returns with similar expectations after handling meaningful minutes last year.

The Lancers continue to emphasize conditioning and efficient passing, two traits that have long been central to the program’s reputation. Maintaining that standard will require consistent preseason work. Gilmour must also replace several defensive starters, and finding the right combination across the back line will remain a work in progress as the team evaluates personnel and develops cohesion.

A demanding schedule will test that growth. The Lancers’ notable opponents and traditional rivals include University School, Lake Catholic, Painesville Harvey, Chagrin Falls, Padua, Beachwood, NDCL, and Akron Bishop Hoban. Those matchups should provide a strong measure of how quickly the new defensive group develops and how effectively the midfield and attack can turn possession into scoring chances.

The Lancers begin their upcoming schedule away against Toledo Central Catholic on Aug. 22, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. That opening matchup will offer the first indication of whether a junior-led roster can turn its returning experience, endurance and passing ability into progress this season.